Last year at Adobe MAX, we showed a prototype of a new tool focused on animation and interactivity for HTML. We codenamed the prototype Project Edge, and since MAX, we have been working hard to bring the project closer to reality. In fact, later this year, you will have the opportunity to take Project Edge for a spin with a public preview on Adobe Labs.

With Project Edge, Adobe has focused on some basic principles. First, we want to work with the best of what HTML has to offer, including the ability to work with HTML elements and JavaScript to create smooth transitions, animations, and interactive content that will work across browsers and screens. Second, we know our customers expect a professional application that works on both Mac OS X and Windows operating systems and has the sophisticated user experience they have come to expect from Adobe. Finally, we want to enable animators and interactive designers to do what they do best — create amazing expressive content that captivates their audience and communicates their message broadly.

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Project Edge started with a thought: Is it possible to create tools for engaging animations and interactivity using HTML? The prototype proved that it is possible; the next step was to make that tool approachable, powerful, and expressive for creative professionals.

Since the prototype, the Project Edge team has worked to create a true, professional Adobe-class application from the ground up. The team has done a ton of research to determine what users love about applications like Adobe Flash Professional, After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash Catalyst software to create workflows and user interfaces that are both familiar and powerful.

What we have learned is that our customers not only need to create animations and interactivity, but they also need precision in layout and design as they work with HTML. The complexities of working with CSS can make layout and object management difficult and unpredictable, which leads to frustration and confusion when creating new work. Often, these complexities result in the loss of visual fidelity.

Creative professionals also need to be able to work dependably on mobile or tablet browsers. In fact, the Project Edge team has done a lot of testing and research on what works and what doesn’t on various browsers, including Android, iOS, and others. With so many options, including SVG, Canvas, CSS3, JavaScript, CSS Transitions, and CSS Animations, the Project Edge team is working diligently to provide an approachable solution that enables users to express their creative ideas with the broadest reach possible.

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To view this content, JavaScript must be enabled, and you need the latest version of Adobe® Flash® Player.

At FITC Toronto, we provided our first sneak peek into the latest internal developments with Project Edge, and we are actively looking for feedback on the project. If you are interested in learning more about Project Edge or if you would like to provide early feedback on the product before it is public, fill out our notification form.

Doug Winnie is a principal product manager at Adobe focusing in interactive design for HTML5 and the Flash Platform. Doug has worked in the web and interactive industry for over ten years focusing on front-end web design and development. During his time at Adobe, Doug has lead numerous teams to make web and interactive design workflows more efficient and powerful leading the Flash Catalyst, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver teams.